Borra School of Nursing and Health Sciences celebrates the legacy of Pier and Renee Borra’s impact

North Central Michigan College has announced the naming of its Nursing and Health Sciences division as the Borra School of Nursing and Health Sciences, honoring longtime benefactors Pier and Renee Borra for nearly two decades of extraordinary generosity and leadership. North Central’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved the name change in May and formally announced it during a June 18 donor appreciation event.

The Borra School of Nursing and Health Sciences recognizes the Borras’ sustained commitment to advancing health science education at North Central and throughout Northern Michigan. Their most recent gift — a transformational 20-year investment — will support scholarships, program development, instructional equipment, and student success initiatives across the division.

"We are incredibly grateful to the Borras for their unparalleled generosity, which has been instrumental in achieving our goals across campus, and especially within the school of nursing and health sciences," President David Roland Finley said. "We wanted to express our deep gratitude for Pier and Renee’s nearly two decades of unwavering support, and we believe this recognition is a meaningful tribute to their legacy."

The Borras made their first gift to North Central in 2009 to support nursing scholarships. Since then, the couple and the Borra Family Foundation have significantly advanced the college’s mission through gifts that include:

  • The Borra Nursing Pathway Scholarship Fund
  • Construction of the Health Education and Science Center (HESC)
  • Renovation and expansion of the college’s main administration and classroom building, now the Borra Learning Center
  • North Central’s Career and Technical Education Enhancement (CATEE) project

While they support a wide range of initiatives at North Central, the Borras have a deep and personal passion for healthcare education. As a result of their longtime involvement in the nursing and rehabilitation business, they understand firsthand the vital role nurses and allied health professionals play in delivering quality care.

"Our goal is to see more students graduating in the health sciences and joining the workforce," Mr. Borra said. "Nurses and other healthcare professionals are critical when it comes to delivering skilled and compassionate care. We also want to see North Central become a leader in the state for nursing and health science education."

The Borras’ most recent gift, announced at the close of 2024, represents their most significant commitment to date. Most of the investment is directed toward scholarships for students in nursing and other health science programs, ensuring access for those with financial need. Additional funds will enhance student success through initiatives including free tutoring sessions, resilience coaching, instructional iPads for incoming students, and North Central’s NCLEX Success Program. The gift will also support professional development for faculty and the creation of new degrees and certificates to meet emerging workforce needs.

Brent LaFaive, dean of Nursing, Health Sciences and Public Safety, said the Borras’ support has played a vital role in advancing North Central’s mission to deliver exceptional, accessible, relevant education that strengthens the region’s social and economic well-being.

"Through their generosity, the Borras have helped many of our students succeed in nursing and health sciences, allowing them to enter the healthcare field as prepared, confident professionals. Those graduates are making a real difference in our communities."